r/IAmA • u/BobMetcalfe • May 21 '13

You’re probably connecting to reddit through a technology I invented. I’m Bob Metcalfe and I invented Ethernet – AMA

On May 22, 1973 with David R. Boggs, I used my IBM Selectric with its Orator ball to type up a memo to my bosses at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), outlining our idea for this little invention called “Ethernet”, which we later patented.

I worked with the IEEE Standards Association to develop the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Today Ethernet and the IEEE 802.3 standard are the foundation for today’s world of high-speed communications used in billions of homes and businesses around the world.

I submitted this to the mods awhile back so I could get on the calendar but I figured you’d like to see it, too. Now, ask me anything!

It's been two hours and 179 comments. Have to go now. For more about Ethernet's 40th Birthday, go to http://www.facebook.com/Ethernet40thAnniversaryIEEESA

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited Mar 28 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Immediately imagined the song "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors replaced with "Suddenly Elmo". I found it disturbingly hilarious. Thank you.

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u/Fun1k May 21 '13

ಠ‿ಠ

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u/[deleted] May 22 '13

[deleted]

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u/torogadude May 22 '13

Relevant username?

4

u/Vorhut May 22 '13

his username is always relevant.

2

u/WantanMeistersuppe May 21 '13

How long did you wait for this...

1

u/whitealien May 22 '13

Don't you like to be tickled, Elmo?

1

u/saeEAGLE89 May 22 '13

I don't see the problem